By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 20,2020) Infiniti is Nissan’s upscale brand of performance and luxury vehicles whose product offerings include one sedan, one coupe, two crossovers and one large SUV. The QX50 tested here is Infiniti’s second smallest utility vehicle and was known as the EX35 until a name change for the 2016 model year. Last year, Infiniti completely redesigned the QX50, which shares nothing with the outgoing model and is expected to be its best-selling selling model.

The QX50 is a compact two-row, five-passenger premium crossover utility vehicle that competes with vehicles like the Acura RDX, Lincoln Corsair, Cadillac XT4, Lexus NX and others.

In addition to an all-new platform is an all-new engine that’s a world’s first four-cylinder turbocharged engine that can mechanically vary its compression ratio; it can switch to operate in a fuel efficiency mode or to a mode that optimizes engine performance. The intent is to deliver the power of a V-6 and the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. But, we didn’t find that to be the case in our weeklong testing of the new QX50, even with its 268 horsepower.

On the road, we found the acceleration to be generally acceptable but not a standout when compared to its class competitors. One of the contributing factors to that experience is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), a type that none of the others use. It does help to get the vehicle to its 25 city-highway combined mpg fuel economy but robs the engine of a lot of that horsepower.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with available all-wheel drive (which is standard on our top-of-the-line Autograph trim level). Brakes felt soft and their performance inconsistent, leading to a braking performance that was either too hard or too relaxed. The feeling changed from time to time and we never fully adjusted to the experience.

Handling left a lot to be desired, beginning with steering that was too light and lacking a precise feeling. Body roll on curves and corners was excessive. It’s clear Infiniti’s intent was to prioritize comfort and luxury at the expense of handling. We were able to adjust the steering via a driver selectable Dynamic and Dynamic+ steering mode that made an almost imperceptible difference.

The most striking standout feature of our QX50 is its gorgeous interior, kitted with white semi-aniline quilted and perforated leather seats, natural maple wood interior trim accents, blue ultrasuede trim accents and piping topped off with a brown ultrasuede headliner. A less luxurious and more pedestrian look is standard in the entry level and lower trim level models. Still, regardless of trim level, the cabin is roomy, comfortable, fit and finish impeccable, with a rear seat that’s spacious with seatbacks that recline.

There’s 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat that increases up to 65 with the 60/40 split-folding second row folded flat. Access to the rear cargo hatch comes with a motion-activated power liftgate, but is only available on the top trim level.



Today, technology is one of the most important aspects of vehicle desirability and we were less than impressed with what Infiniti has to offer in the QX50. The infotainment system is presented with two screens for operating controls and it’s unfortunately one of the most confusing we’ve experienced in any vehicle.

Located on the center stack, the lower seven-inch touch screen is primarily used for audio and climate settings and has a familiar knob for volume control. There are also physical button controls for the climate control system, including temperature adjustment, fan, air direction, heated and cooled seat adjustments. The lower screen is where you would also pair and interact with your Bluetooth interface, program an address for the nav system, points of interest, and changing certain vehicle settings.

The top screen is eight-inches, also touch adjustable and used for the navigation system, certain climate control readings and some audio system interactions and, oddly, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. A 16-speaker Bose audio system and mobile hotspot are included.

Both of these screen controls can be handled via a toggle on the steering wheel, you can physically touch the screen for adjustments, or you can use the rotary control knob located on the center console adjacent to the vehicle’s shift lever. Of course you can also use voice command by way of pressing a button on the steering wheel.

There’s just one USB port to connect to with, plus three charging only USB ports, including one in the cargo area.

The overall systems use low-resolution graphics, are most often slow to respond to inputs and the menu structure is confusing and requires the driver to take their eyes off the road for seemingly too long a period of time.

We were most pleased to see that Infiniti chose to make forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection standard equipment on all QX50 models.  Our Autograph trim level also includes Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist which is the semi-autonomous driving system.

For 2020 the QX50 is available in five different trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Essential and two new top models, the Sensory and Autograph. Trim levels are front-wheel drive; those who want all-wheel drive will have to pony up another $2,000.

Since the QX50 was all-new just a year ago, the 2020 model is mostly a carryover vehicle. However, regardless of trim level, each model now includes a palette of driver assists including automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear automated emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert system. Additionally, there are some new added options and option packages. There’s also a new Mocha Almond exterior color.

Regardless of trim level occupants can expect to be cosseted in an abundance of rich and upscale features, trims, materials and niceties. While reasonable people often disagree on things like taste, the QX50 could easily win the class beauty contest with its terrific good exterior looks, and best-in-class interior “evening wear.”

However, beauty only goes so far, and when it comes to the talent and lifestyle segments of the contest, QX50 begins to stumble and falter a bit with its fussy and un-intuitive infotainment and operational technology, disappointing ride and handling, and just fair fuel economy.

Overall, while the QX50 certainly looks the part, it lags behind many of it of its rivals when it comes to performance. Other entrants in this class were more agile with better handling and driving abilities and just more fun to drive, keeping QX50 from challenging for a top spot in the category.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $55,850
Price as Tested: $60,070
Engine/Transmission: 268 hp VC-Turbo four cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Fuel Economy: 22/28/25 mpg City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Up to 5

Crash Test Ratings:  The 2020 QX50 earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it hasn't been fully tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Where Built: Agusa, Mexico

Competes With:
Acura RDX
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Cadillac XT4
Land Rover Evoque
Lexus NX
Lincoln Corsair
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Volvo XC60

Fab Features:
Posh, comfortable interior
Roomy seating
Lots of standard driver assistance features